• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Preamp advice

funkingkyle

funkingkyle

New Member
I'm trying to decide what to do with my preamp set up. Currently this is what I'm running:
  • Marantz 2245 (using as preamp)
  • Kit-built (by me) ICEpower125ASX2 power amp
  • Seas Bragi MTM kit-built (by my friend) speakers
  • Denon DP-62L turntable
  • S.M.S.L M200 DAC connected directly to server computer
I've had the Marantz for years and of course I'm attached to it, but it needs a recap as there's starting to be a noticeable hum. I'm a little tired of fussing with it, it's not in perfect shape, sick of messing with the lamps, knobs, etc. I'm also not sure the relative sound quality of the Marantz vs. affordable separates. So here are a few options I've been kicking around:
  • Get the 2245 recapped for ~$600 and keep using as preamp.
  • Replace with a separate vintage pre. I'd like to get a Yamaha C4 but it seems like that would need recapped as well and I'd end up in for about $1,000, which I could probably mostly cover by selling the Marantz.
  • Are there newer preamps I should be considering? Schiit?
  • Take on a big project and build a preamp like this: https://www.akitika.com/PR102.html (I can solder a bit but this would be a big leap)
What would y'all do?
 
Register to hide this ad
You could get something with a simple design like the Nakamichi CA-5 (Nelson Pass designed) the MKII has added tone controls. Then do the recap yourself, spending the budget on quality components, rather than labour. If you have a look at the internal pictures you'll understand how much of a simple job it would be for this preamp. Untouched it's a very neutral sounding pre, with a great phono stage.
 
Get a source selector and a passive pre. I have both, but have yet to use them together. Lately, I did like you are doing - using an integrated as a pre. It was OK, but then I took another integrated that I had blown the outputs of, and converted it into a pre. I had previously recapped it, and since it was a very minimalist design, it sounds great - great enough to replace the other "preamp."
 
AudioAvarice said:
You could get something with a simple design like the Nakamichi CA-5 (Nelson Pass designed) the MKII has added tone controls. Then do the recap yourself, spending the budget on quality components, rather than labour. If you have a look at the internal pictures you'll understand how much of a simple job it would be for this preamp. Untouched it's a very neutral sounding pre, with a great phono stage.
Click to expand...

This is a good suggestion, thank you. I hadn't considered that recapping a preamp might be simple enough to do myself. Doesn't look like there are many CA-5s out there to snag, any other models you'd suggest? I wonder how hard recapping a Yamaha C4 would be.
 
Anyone have thoughts about the Tandberg 3002? There's one locally that looks like a good price, all original and he says no issues but obviously a recap will be needed eventually.
 
Tandberg makes nice gear and their separates are good units. I don't know the 3002 enough but maybe @jdurbin1 will drop in and talk about its sound quality.
 
funkingkyle said:
This is a good suggestion, thank you. I hadn't considered that recapping a preamp might be simple enough to do myself. Doesn't look like there are many CA-5s out there to snag, any other models you'd suggest? I wonder how hard recapping a Yamaha C4 would be.
Click to expand...

I'm planning to do a pretty much complete rebuild on a Luxman 5C50, as I got one pretty cheaply, I've been using a C-12 (lower in the same series) happily for years, so this will probably be my last preamp. Always wanted to try a JCV P-3030, as they look excellent quality wise, and don't seem to cost that much, but like the other preamps I've suggested, are pretty uncommon.

The Tandberg 3002 looks pretty simple inside, and might benefit from some polypropylene caps in the signal path. Just make sure you can get a service manual with all those adjustment trimmers.
 
But...from the Atikita page:

PR-102 preamp kits are currently out of stock.
Supply shortages and rising costs of raw materials are making it difficult to keep the PR102 in stock. We're currently trying to procure the parts for a new batch, but we aren't sure yet if the cost and lead time will be reasonable. If you're interested in being notified about PR102 availability, drop me an email, and I'll put you on the notification list. PR102 Notification
 
I can't speak to any other vintage preamps, but I recapped my SAE Mark 1M, and it was very easy, even for an amateur solder-er like me. Also, the improvement in sound was pretty dramatic.
 
You might consider a frenzel SPX72 preamp.
Hand built in the USA. built to order,worth the wait.
They make a bunch of tube guitar amps.
I like mine a lot.
 
funkingkyle said:
This is a good suggestion, thank you. I hadn't considered that recapping a preamp might be simple enough to do myself. Doesn't look like there are many CA-5s out there to snag, any other models you'd suggest? I wonder how hard recapping a Yamaha C4 would be.
Click to expand...
The CA-5 (no tone controls) is a wonderful preamp. Be patient set up alerts on craig’s list and epay and you will find one. There are 3 of them listed on epay at the moment.
 
bruno80918 said:
You might consider a frenzel SPX72 preamp.
Hand built in the USA. built to order,worth the wait.
They make a bunch of tube guitar amps.
I like mine a lot.
Click to expand...

To update, this is what I ended up doing. I'm pretty happy with it, it's a cool machine and sounds great. The only thing I would point out to others that I really dislike is the separate volume controls for each channel, although I understand that there are advantages to having them on discrete circuits it really is annoying to deal with.

But you can't have it all on a budget I suppose! Thanks for the input all. Still kind of curious about building something from a kit, although I wonder how much I'd miss tone controls. It'd be one less thing to fuss over constantly I suppose.
 
After playing with a few preamp, I reached the conclusion that less is more, op-amp seems better than discrete circuit.

My best preamp is Rotel RC-870BX 4 5534 op-amps, I just got a Soundcraftem P100, and only 2 opamp and is kicking ass, if you see the inside is empty, still very good preamp

j.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom